An Airbus A320-200.
Winston Aldworth flies aboard LATAM Airlines flight LA632, from Santiago to Lima.
The plane: An Airbus A320-200.
Class: Economy.
Seat: 5J.
Airport experience: There wasn't a lot of time during transit at Santiago, and it's not a particularly nice place to hang out.
How full: Chocka.
Fellow passengers: An even smattering of commuting South Americans and travellers heading for the Inca Trail.
Time: The service is an annoying 3hr, 50m, which — courtesy of a weird timezone bubble around Santiago — departs at 4.15pm and lands at 6.05pm.
Entertainment: There were no screens, but you can download the airline's app before take off to use your own device (there are seatback screens on their Auckland to Santiago service aboard the Dreamliner). The inflight magazine, Vamos, is pretty limited – particularly for gringos; there's just a small English-language section at the back. So with nearly four hours to fill, you'll want to make sure you have a book or magazine. A copy of the Economist saw me through.
Food and drink: A reasonably sound ham-and-cheese sandwich came my way. It did the job and the staff cheerfully poured red wine and whisky for thirsty fliers.
Service: Good as Inca gold.
Toilets: They held their own.
Final word: Bueno.
When there's nothing as far as the eye can see, you may appreciate the company.